InXile, the developers of the upcoming game, Wasteland 2, is attempting a crowdsourcing experiment with Unity Technologies by inviting fans of the game to create assets for the title.
Described as an "industry first", the experiment will allow InXile to focus on the game's code, design, and writing, while allowing users to contribute 3D models to the game's development.
Each week, the developer will release concept artwork to be turned into 3D models for Wasteland 2 and open up the creative process behind the game's art asset creation.
At this point, you might wonder whether the studio, which received most of its funding through Kickstarter, is attempting to abuse the goodwill already provided by fans, but we're assured that fans whose assets make it into the game will be reimbursed for their efforts with money and in-game credit. So rather than contracting a third party to develop the assets for the game, InXile is giving fans and freelance artists alike the opportunity to have their own work featured in the game, effectively cutting out the middleman.
I can't say it's a bad deal—because it isn't.
Here's the process:
· Developers/Fans check the inXile page for the weekly pick of required assets
· Then they create a 3D model of one (or more) of the required assets, in accordance with the Wasteland 2 style guide, and submit it to Unity’s ‘Asset Store’.
· A special Artist pack has been set-up by Unity to get the process started. Once ready to submit, developers should label it “hold for inXile Entertainment.”
· Once submitted inXile will view the assets, select any that they like, and give the creator both money and in-game credit.
· Even if inXile doesn’t use your asset, models that meet Unity requirements will be made available in the Unity Asset Store, which will provide someone else the option to select it and pay for it.
